Take a step back in time on Buena Vista Street, the new front entrance to Disney California Adventure Park. Buena Vista Street gives us a strong sense of place and time, reminiscent of a street in 1923 Los Angeles. A time when Walter Elias Disney first arrived in California and was creating the Walt Disney magic we all know and love. Buena Vista Street is truly a magical place to be!
Through detailed architecture and ornamentation, Disney Imagineers have transported guests back to 1920’s California where Walt Disney first stepped off the train from Missouri. With a cardboard suitcase, forty dollars in his pocket, a couple reels of animated film, Walt began his California Adventure. It was this California Adventure that inspired the Disney California Adventure Park we all get to enjoy today.
According to Lisa Girolami, Director with Walt Disney Imagineering, it was this time of optimism, opportunity, and excitement when all the movie business people were coming out to Los Angeles, that inspired the design of Buena Vista Street. In the twenties everything was so elaborate and so detailed, from the music that played on the streets, to the red car trolleys that traversed up and down the street, which was the major mode of transportation back then in Los Angeles.
On my recent trip to Disney California Adventure Park, I got to experience 1920’s Los Angeles up close and personal. There was such a strong sense of history everywhere I looked. Up and down Buena Vista street I saw places like Mortimer’s Market, Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream, and Carthay Circle Theater which is the place where Walt premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarves in 1937. I also have to mention the fine cuisine I enjoyed at Carthay Circle Restaurant.
On my way back to the Disneyland Resort, I stopped at Mortimer’s Market for a banana and a bottled water. Above the market I saw a lot of architectural ornamentation, such as bountiful cornucopias with fruit and vegetables and beautiful little mice sculpted in. Of course, there’s a story behind Mortimer’s Market. When Walt arrived in Los Angeles, he created a mouse and named him Mortimer. His wife Lillian said that Mortimer was not a good name for a mouse, and suggested he call him Mickey. That’s the true story of how Walt’s wife Lillian named Mickey Mouse.
I truly enjoyed taking a step back in time on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park and encourage you to visit the park and experience it for yourself.
Images Courtesy of Disney
Disney/Pixar provided travel and accommodations. All thoughts and opinions are my own.